With four major lift served ski areas there is good off piste skiing to be enjoyed at Les Grands Montets, Le Tour/Vallorcine, L'Aiguille du Midi, and Le Brévent/La Flégère.  Also within easy travelling distance are the popular areas of Helbronner and Courmayeur in Italy.

The options in Chamonix are numerous, those available at the above locations being some of the classic off piste descents in Europe.  The Vallee Blanche alone is arguably one of the most famous of Chamonix's descents, a great opportunity to ski in the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif.  For those prepared to make ascents on foot or using skins the opportunity to make day tours from the valley are also numerous, often being rewarded with fresh tracks.

There are some fantastic views of the steep faces of Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and the Aiguille Verte which commands the skyline for the duration of the descent.

In good conditions the Chamonix Vallée Blanche is also accessible to most good intermediate skiers with off piste skiing experience. This allows skiers of modest ability to enjoy a memorable descent down the largest glacier system in the Mont Blanc Massif, taking in approximtately 17Km of skiing.

As with any activity in the mountains it pays to be flexible, making the most of the prevailing conditions and the Vallée Blanche is no exception.  As such there are a few options and variations. In normal conditions 'Le Classique Vallée Blanche' takes the easiest line, carving a large arch into the centre of the glacier directly under the coulours of Mont Blanc du Tacul. From here you ski through some impressive crevassed terrain towards the Geant Ice Fall.  The option of visiting the Refuge du Requin (2516m) makes for a pleasant break for many, before rejoining the route at the Salle à Manger. Easier angled skiing leads to the steps and cable car to the Montenvers and a final descent by train. In good conditions it is possible to ski all the way to Chamonix taking the narrow 'James Bond Track' through the forest via Les Planards.

Other variations include: Gros Rognon Varient, Real Vallee Blanche and Glacier du Géant and Combe de la Vierge (both accessed form the Italian side - Pt Helbronner.

Difficulty and Aki Ability: The Vallee Blanche is a big glacier descent and as such you need to be able to ski conservatively with the ability to ski accuately and in control. It's inevitable that the skiing will take place near to large crevasses. Conditions can vary enormously and later in the season the ability to handle bumps in quite narrow corridors is essential.

Ski Touring in the Alps is a sport that is accessible to virtually all abilities of skier who wish to get away from the piste.  From the opportunity to ski untracked snow within the ski area to big glacier descents, and ascents of 4000m peaks.  

Blending the skills of the alpinist with that of the skier opens up the opportunity to enjoy even more of the Alps...